These tricks to jump-start your life purpose are so easy, and so profound

In a funk? Instead of heading to your favorite fast food joint to order the #2 with a Diet Coke — soda is not good for you! — or binge-watching a popular vlogger's entire YouTube channel overnight, stop for a second and breathe.

Failing to live completely in the moment is a problem, and it's leading to a major lack of motivation for so many people. We spend multiple days nuzzling with our phone apps before we realize that we have done nothing to propel our own story.

It's when we live in the moment that we stop looking up and forward. These three things will help you pause to look ahead at the right times and for the right reasons.

1. Make your bed

Jumping into a messy bed is easier than climbing into one you spent 5 minutes making perfectly. Put in the work in the morning and reap the benefits of the reward when you crawl between the cool sheets at night. Now you are ready to take on the day.

2. Have a meal by yourself — and don't invite your phone

Sitting by yourself without your Facebook feed as a dining partner makes you do what people 15 years ago did — anticipate their next steps. Give yourself time to get soul-hungry while you eat, instead of filling the time with mindless scrolling. Welcome the gap between you and the thoughts that might occur to you if you had space to decide what you want to do next.

3. Mail yourself a letter

The postal system is amazing. Write a letter to your unmotivated self. Jot down a bucket list. Send yourself $20. Getting mail is awesome, and sending it will give you something to look forward to and a reminder that someone cares.